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Tabac
Jun 17, 2010 10:27:57 GMT -5
Post by HoosierTrooper on Jun 17, 2010 10:27:57 GMT -5
With a great sense of anticipation based on reviews I've read I used Tabac for the first time this morning, and when I was finished I was slightly underwhelmed. It worked fine, got a great shave, but the more I use higher end soaps the more I realize that the cheap stuff, specifically VDH and Williams, seem to work just as well.
Anyone have any opinions on Tabac?
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Tabac
Jun 17, 2010 14:38:38 GMT -5
Post by etoyoc on Jun 17, 2010 14:38:38 GMT -5
Its OK.. When I first started to wet shave I went through a puck of it before really trying other soaps. Still on the same refill puck and I don't think that I have even put a dent into it.
I guess one of its big draws is that it is almost foolproof to lather, but is it the best lather? I don't think so and the smell is another issue.
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Tabac
Jun 17, 2010 14:51:10 GMT -5
Post by wchnu on Jun 17, 2010 14:51:10 GMT -5
Never used it. But have used some of the other "good stuff". Like you I find that there are less expensive soaps that works as well for me. I started a thread down the street about that one time,
Fuzzy
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Tabac
Jun 17, 2010 16:58:45 GMT -5
Post by specialk on Jun 17, 2010 16:58:45 GMT -5
With everything to each their own.....
I love the smell of Tabac and find both it and IM excellent shave soap! But I also find VDH excellent shave soap as well.
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Tabac
Jun 17, 2010 17:35:44 GMT -5
Post by HoosierTrooper on Jun 17, 2010 17:35:44 GMT -5
The smell's fine, and it lathered fine, but not that much better than VDH or Williams to justify the extra cost. Maybe I was expecting too much.
Now Mama Bear's on the other hand...
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Tabac
Jun 17, 2010 21:05:09 GMT -5
Post by rocketman on Jun 17, 2010 21:05:09 GMT -5
I have never tried the Tabac and have always felt I might be missing out because other sites have threads saying Tabac is the best thing since sliced bagels. I feel a little less deprived now.
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Tabac
Jun 17, 2010 21:11:54 GMT -5
Post by Possum on Jun 17, 2010 21:11:54 GMT -5
Fuzzy loves Williams and thinks there is nothing like it.
I love Tabac and think there is nothing like it.
Was the first soap I used when a returned to traditional wet shave a few years ago. Still my favorite and the only one I use when I travel. I have a couple shave sticks of Tabac. I also use the shave cream and the Tabac EDT.
The scent is what I really like and it lathers just as good as my MWF and other artisan soaps I have tried.
But if like Fuzzy you like the cheaper Williams and VDH then go for those and send the Tabac my way!
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Tabac
Jun 18, 2010 5:33:13 GMT -5
Post by etoyoc on Jun 18, 2010 5:33:13 GMT -5
One thing that ought to be clarified.. Tabac isn't an expensive artisan brand. It is a middle of the road brand. Currently you can get a 4.4 oz puck from a number of sites for around $10 shipped. Yes, that is quite a bit more expensive than VDH or Williams, but the puck lasts several times longer. When I first started, I did a cost analysis and found that as long as the Tabac lasted, it really wasn't that much more expensive than VDH (which I won't use due to SLS in the ingredients) or Williams.
On the other hand, there are artisan and other big name soaps that cost more and don't last anywhere near as long.
So there are inexpensive but not that long lasting pucks (VDH, Williams, Godrej, etc...)
There are expensive long lasting soaps.
There are expensive short lasting soaps.
There is Tabac, which is middle range price and long lasting.
Huh... I suppose I am going to have to go dust off my Tabac and see why I have been ignoring it.
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Tabac
Jun 18, 2010 9:32:14 GMT -5
Post by HoosierTrooper on Jun 18, 2010 9:32:14 GMT -5
I have never tried the Tabac and have always felt I might be missing out because other sites have threads saying Tabac is the best thing since sliced bagels. I feel a little less deprived now. Give it a try so you'll know for yourself. But you hit the nail on the head about it being the best thing since sliced bagels. I've read so many reviews about how great it is, and it is a very good performer, but when the dust settled I was left with the feeling that i can get the same thing from soaps that cost from .99 cents or $1.54, as opposed toone that runs around $10-12 before shipping. But I do like it and it will remain in the arsenal.
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Tabac
Jun 18, 2010 12:41:20 GMT -5
Post by rocketman on Jun 18, 2010 12:41:20 GMT -5
Well.....now I have to put it back on the list!! At least just so I can check it out for myself. I think though, that considering the differing views on this soap, I am not going to rush out to pick some up, but rather, wait for a good deal to come along. Perhaps the day that I try Tabac will merely 'reveal' itself!!
Great feedback on this guys!! I feel much more knowledgeable regarding this one than I ever have reading numerous other threads about this bubbly.
And, Etoyoc - I knew nothing about Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) before you made your comment below. I will definately do a little more reading up on this particular soap ingredient as there seems to be some folks suggesting it is a problem. And, I do use the VDH, and since it performs pretty good and it is cheap, I usually tend to toss it at any new guys I recruit. Hmmmmmm......Ya learn something every day!! thnx!
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Tabac
Jun 18, 2010 14:56:38 GMT -5
Post by etoyoc on Jun 18, 2010 14:56:38 GMT -5
And, Etoyoc - I knew nothing about Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) before you made your comment below. I will definately do a little more reading up on this particular soap ingredient as there seems to be some folks suggesting it is a problem. And, I do use the VDH, and since it performs pretty good and it is cheap, I usually tend to toss it at any new guys I recruit. Hmmmmmm......Ya learn something every day!! thnx! There are a lot of negative claims about SLS (sodium lauryl slfate) and a lot of strong claims one way and another. However it is marked as a skin irritant on its MSDS (material safety data sheet). The web is full of arguments that are based partially on science and elaborate claims and false e-mails, etc... With all the strong claims out there lets just cut to the chase. Here is why I try to avoid SLS based on the actual MSDS and my previous issues with other products: Without doubt the MSDS clearly states that SLS is a skin irritant and that it is harmful if absorbed through the skin. If I am reading the MSDS properly, it takes about 250 milligrams absorbed in 24 hours to produce a mild reaction in the average person. Now, the debatable issue is whether or not use in everyday lathering products puts enough of the chemical on your skin to absorb 250 milligrams in a single day to cause problems. For most people, probably not. It is in a low concentration, it has been diluted with water, and honestly if it caused a large number of skin problems, the products containing it wouldn't be on shelves long. And yet, one should also consider the cumulative effect on all cleaning products. Between Shampoo, body wash, bar soap, hand soap, shaving soap, dish soap, household cleaning products, etc... is it possible to get enough cumulative SLS throughout the day to have a problem? Again, probably not and even if you did, you can't blame any 1 product. Unfortunately, I wouldn't put myself in the most people category. My skin has a tendency to absorb chemicals easily and the skin of my face gets a painful red rash whenever certain products are used. As someone with skin sensitivity issues, I just avoid SLS to be on the safe side. There may actually be no true scientific reasons to avoid the SLS in soap; however, with so many other shaving soap options, it is easy enough to avoid. There are many many chemicals that we use daily that are in every day products. We are exposed to so many chemicals that are combined with so many other chemicals every second that I find it kind of odd that so many go on the warpath against 1 chemical like SLS. Yes, there are reasons to be concerned; however, there are many other chemicals affecting us that you can't point your finger at just one and say it is the root of all evil. In short: 1) SLS is probably fine for most people if not overdone. 2) People need to stop panicking about every little thing 3) People should really start considering the cummalitive affect of all the "improvements" we have made to our world 4) I am not crazy... ok... Maybe just a little bit. You can call me a slightly Irked Scientist.... but not a Mad Scientist. OK, I will get off my SLS free soap box now and let you go on to the marvels of Tabac.
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Tabac
Jun 18, 2010 17:23:39 GMT -5
Post by HoosierTrooper on Jun 18, 2010 17:23:39 GMT -5
Very infomative post about SLS, thanks! I guess I'm just lucky in that no soap or cream so far seems to bother my skin. I've read several people have had problems with the oil that provides the fragrance in Mama bear soaps, but so far they haven't caused any problems for me.
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Tabac
Jun 18, 2010 21:34:06 GMT -5
Post by etoyoc on Jun 18, 2010 21:34:06 GMT -5
Very infomative post about SLS, thanks! I guess I'm just lucky in that no soap or cream so far seems to bother my skin. I've read several people have had problems with the oil that provides the fragrance in Mama bear soaps, but so far they haven't caused any problems for me. I have never had issues with TSD or Mama Bear soaps; however, I specifically only get essential oil blends with EO that I know don't affect me. However, soaps I can't use include: Arko soap, Erasmic, Irisch Moos, anything bay rum or spiced, and others I probably now forget. I even occasionally have issues with Williams and MWF (but only if I use them multiple days in a row). I started off with VDH until I got some Tabac in. I used the Tabac almost exclusively until I started building up a stock of other soaps that I can use without issue. So Yay for Tabac! It is on my shaving shelf waiting to be used tomorrow. We will see how it compares to the soaps that I have been using for the last year or so.
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Tabac
Jun 19, 2010 9:29:56 GMT -5
Post by rocketman on Jun 19, 2010 9:29:56 GMT -5
Nice job addressing the SLS issue Etoyoc. I think it is great that you have taken a balanced look at it and seem to have come to some pretty logical conclusions.
There are certainly lots of articles on the web about it. Some pretty wild stuff too!!! When people get hooked on a topic on the internet you can sure come across some interesting stuff. There seem to be all sorts of claims, but most seem to be the standard worked up drivel. I think you have wisely pointed out that the only legitimate info might best be obtained from the safety data. You then point out that it can be a skin irritant indeed - but when used in sufficient quantities, which most people never particularly get exposed to by a single item. You have a wonderful point though, that incremental exposure might well begin to cause problems - really good to keep in mind.
I think I will not shy away from the VDH after looking at this for a bit and taking into account Etoyoc's thoughts as well. I think though, that I will take a look at the soaps, cleaners, and other stuff I tend to slather all over my skin, and keep in mind the notion of repeatedly subjecting myself to harsh ingredients. I have been meaning to revisit my shampoo choice and have never really settled on a bath soap. Probably wise to do this anyway.
Thnx all!
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Tabac
Jun 19, 2010 11:18:23 GMT -5
Post by etoyoc on Jun 19, 2010 11:18:23 GMT -5
I keep my hair buzzed short (use smallest guard on the Wahl) so I don't bother with shampoo. I just use Yardley bar soap for entire body.
Just used the Tabac. Yes, it is good stuff. Its been a while, but I suppose the Tabac needs to go back in rotation.
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